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Learning Outcomes

2. Demonstrate an understanding of concepts underpinning diverse areas of current biological research.

3. Survey, access, manage and use relevant peer reviewed literature.

4. Contribute confidently to discussion and verbal presentation of biological concepts in an audience of both peers and active biological researchers.

Brief description

This module targets students on interdisciplinary MSc courses at the interface between other disciplines and biology. It aims to build an understanding of key topics at the cutting edge of modern biological research by a series of interactive subunits focused on relevant topics, led by staff actively researching those topics. This will promote the students' ability to collaborate meaningfully with life scientists when providing expert guidance and solving biological problems in an interdisciplinary environment.

Aims

Effective interdisciplinary collaboration is essential when approaching many key problems in contemporary biology, particularly in fields where the accelerating democratization of methodologies generating large, complex datasets is rapidly advancing the potential insights into diverse aspects of evolution, structure and functionality throughout the biosphere.
While many modules and courses exist for biologists to develop interdisciplinary skills and effective collaborations with experts in other fields, this module aims to make contemporary concepts, challenges and approaches to biological research accessible to experts from non-biological backgrounds.
To achieve this aim, the module consists of six subunits, each focused on a specific field of biological research. Each subunit will be delivered by a research leader active within the field, and will specifically highlight relevant concepts, challenges and methodological approaches where our understanding has (or may in future) be advanced by interdisciplinary collaboration. Specific subunits can include: The Central Dogma of molecular biology, Molecular evolution, statistical genomics, microbiome research, plant biology, high-throughput sequencing. Additional or alternative subunits of equivalent structure may be provided as researcher availability permits. Each subunit will consist of an introductory lecture, followed by tutorial, framed by a targeted reading list. This approach will both help address difficulties with accessing key biological concepts in a flexible, personalized manner and promote dialogue across disciplinary divides.

Outside the formal contact hours, students will be expected to research materials, manage time and meet deadlines. The coursework will provide an opportunity for students to explore their own learning styles and preferences, and identify their needs and barriers to learning. Students will be able to review and monitor their progress and plan for improvement of personal performance through self-awareness and reflection.